Great margaritas and chips/salsa. What a deal for the money

I been coming here for the last 15 years great place for tacos, fajitas, margaritas Clean and great service read more

This is a sit down Mexican restaurant that is pretty popular in Santee. It can get pretty busy on weekends, but it is worth the wait. The salsa that comes with your basket of chips is a bit on the spicy side. Wash it down with one of their frozen margaritas or a Pacifico and you're all set. The menu has your regular fare - tacos, enchiladas, etc. There are a few unique items that you don't always see such as ceviche and corn tortilla quesadillas. I am a big fan of those. They put roasted chiles in these. Their carnitas are pretty good too. read more

It was OK... I agree with other yelpers. Prices were quite high end. I was really surprised. Not fancy on the outside, not fancy on the inside. The place was clean, air conditioned and I was seated promptly. Service was friendly and attentive. I ordered chicken taquitos with sour cream, guacamole and a lemonade. It came to $11 something. They served chips and salsa as well. Food quality was so-so. I had wished I had stopped at a taco shop and saved myself $6. read more

Cheap, predictable Mexican food with strong drinks and a clean atmosphere. I'm happy. They have some unique offerings on the menu, like cheese fondue, and lobster dishes. Warm chips and yummy salsa await you. Wish I had known about this place earlier. Drinks are cheap and strong. Winning. read more

Came in for a late lunch on a Saturday was seated then the waiter came and took our drink order 2 margaritas then disappeared for a while. The busboy brought chips and salsa when we order our dinners I ask for a glass of water and was told "only one drink at a time" by our waiter, I thought he was kidding but I never got the water. Food was good but service could be so much better read more

On my way home from a long day at work. I contemplated on what to have for dinner. With so much to chose from in Santee, It was a hot evening, and I thought what better than get a shrimp cocktail and a beef burrito for my Husband from Marieta's. I walked in and found some of the staff sitting around while on their phones in the lobby, and the restaurant rather empty. I was greeted quickly and my order taken. I excused myself to the bar to watch the football game playing while I waited. I sat in the bar for 20 minutes, watched the game, and was even brought some chips and salsa. I returned to the lobby as to show that I was still here. The cashier quickly excused herself after one of the chef's sitting down made a comment in spanish. Another 5 to 10 minutes took place before she returned with my food. She handed me my food and said she added some chips and salsa and thanked me. Upon returning home, I found that my cocktail was warm, had 5 shrimp in it, was made mostly of liquid with very little tomatoes, onions and avocado. A very sad cocktail for the $12.00 price I had no problem with paying having had one in the past. I called the manager who explained to me that 5 shrimp is the protocol for the cocktail, and offered me a refund or a remake of the cocktail. Living in Lakeside, it's not just a run to the corner. I stopped on my way home. I will return tomorrow for my refund Juan thank you. But that does not make my dinner any better tonite, as I am unable to eat it as is. I will refrigerate it to bring it to the temp it should be, then maybe I will finally eat what took 30 minutes for a single burrito to be made. As I was told the cocktail was already made an would be served cold. In the future I will seek another alternative when choosing what to stop for on the way home. It seems Marieta's is better served while eating in front of the staff. You are less apt to be forgotten like I was. read more

Been coming here for a long time. Chips and salsa are always good. The Chips are always warm right of the oven. We usually get the combo plates bc they're a pretty good deal and delicious. They have a bar area too if you're looking to put down some drinks a little quicker and the margaritas are good, not like your typical chain restaurant with a measured oz of tequila. They make it the way it's supposed to taste. Good mexican food restaurant, definitely recommend it. read more

Marieta's - Uh huh - Mexican Near Me - Santee, California

The food was good, but it wasn't good enough to make up for the terrible service. Expect to wait a long time. It took 5 minutes after sitting down before we got our drink order. We asked for extra bean dip (they charge for the second one), and waited for ten minutes. The owner or manager came over and we told him we'd ordered more dip. He took the dish and never came back. We waited at least 45 minutes for our meals to arrive. When they did, we asked again for the dip and finally got it. My husband asked the busser for some napkins. He nodded and kept sweeping until he reached a table that had a place setting. He brought it over and tossed it on the table. When our waiter finally came with the extra bean dip, he also tossed it on the table! They act like they are doing you a favor. So even though the food was good, we felt miserable. I would not recommend this place to anyone. read more

First time trying out this place, was looking for some good fish tacos and a great margarita. This place definitely did not disappoint. So good I had to order another one. Thoroughly satisfied....definitely will return. read more

Great place to eat right after church. I ordered the California Burrito with Chile Verde sauce and it was amazing. We are regulars here but it as of late the service has started to lack. We continue to come back because we love the place read more

See all

MY FAVORITE MEXICAN FOOD RESTAURANT!!! My family has been going to Marieta's for over 13 years now. Our favorites are Juan and Luis, they always take good care of us and always know what we order every time. My usual is the Cheese enchiladas rancheras. I love the chips and salsa fresca too!! read more

Went here last night for dinner. Very authentic Mexican food and it was delicious. Or server was incredibly courteous as well. I recommend eating here for good Mexican grub! read more

This restaurant holds a speed place in my heart. My wife of six month had our first date at the place. We officially became boyfriend and girlfriend a few months later in the place, and to top it off, I proposed to her in the same booth of our first date. Mexican food is one of my favorite and Marieta's is one of the places my wife and I enjoy a lot. The food is good, and the pricing is reasonable. When you're in Santee, check it out. read more

Great warm welcome from the hostess/supervisor; it went quickly downhill. Granted, it was busy when the 8 of us arrived, but our waiter behaved as if were inconveniencing him, which kills the experience, especially when the food is medicore at best. We can understand being harried, but one can be slammed and still serve with a smile. My fish taco consisted of a skimpy piece of fried fish and was soggy upon arrival. When told that my friend would have to wait 25 minutes for the half chicken, she opted for the chicken breast instead, and was served strips of chicken as if from a frozen bag. She should have stayed with her original choice, as we waited an inordinate amount of time for very uncomplicated orders. Another friend received the wrong order entirely, but kept her mouth shut. I suspect Marieta's is really only interested in catering to its regulars. How else could it get by? read more

This is a go to place if you are looking to just get your whole family together, be loud, eat good mexican food and not have an expensive bill. I always come here every year for christmas parties and they never disappoint. I think the food is by far delicious and for Santee - it is WONDERFUL mexican food. The service can be a hit or miss but they really do try to take care of you, I just think it is always busy and they seem like they are running around like crazy! For the appetizer get the guacamole - it comes in a huge fried chip bowl and once you get through with your guac you can eat the bowl - a PLUS! I also recommend the fajita's. The portion sizes here are large so sharing is an option? read more

So went to Cali for a lil vaca, and I can never pass up this spot! I absolutely love this restaurant! The environment is so awesome very family oriented and they're super friendly and they care about their guests needs (so important in my eyes) and very attentive, excellent customer service! Their food is so delish, I always get something with shrimp, this last visit I tried the Camarones Tequila (bacon wrapped shrimp) and omg it was so damn yummy! My hubby had the Enchiladas and said they were very good. I always forget to take a pic when I get my meals since they look so yummy I can't wait to eat up! read more

This is our go to place when were in the mood for chips and salsa to tske home. Also they have great weekday lunch specials. Staff is always friendly and accommodating. They always acknowledge my kids which is a plus and rarely happens any where else. Today I made a special request for a guacamole taco. This is not on the menu. They said of course they can. It was delicious. The guac is always fresh. I don't think we've ever had a bad experience here. read more

I've been there a couple of times and all the food is really good, it's also very expensive. My most recent visit was just for a small albondigas to go. The person I was getting it for can't eat solid food for a while so I couldn't even bring the tortillas home. 7.50 for a couple of cups of soup! Anyhow, if you don't care about the price, the food is really good and the service is very polite. read more

Went in for a nice dinner and margarita because I like the food. I had been in LA all day so the idea was some good food on the way home and then home to rest. Arrived at 6:10 pm, food arrived over an hour later. No joke I was watching the time and let the waiter know. Several other tables came, ate and left. Also the food was warm, not hot except for a cheese enchilada which was devoured quickly. Generally good food and just a little on the slow side on prior visits. 1 star for food not being hot and unreasonably long wait. Probably won't go back as there are so many other options in San Diego for good Mexican food. read more

Average Mexican food for the Gringo crowed. Plenty of options that are easy to ID but nothing special. In fact plenty of other better options all around town. Caldo de pescado - way too salty. Flavor was uninteresting. Margaritas were strong but way too sweet. Now their salsa is excellent - full of flavor and spice. Tortillas are boring - for the set up should be handmade there. Carrots & chillies are far from fresh. That's really the problem, everything tastes from a can covered in salt to mask. read more

Fast service! Friendly Staff! Great food! Try the Carnitas plate or the Botana de Camaron (dont think its on the menu but they have it) and the wife's favorite margarita rocks. Going tonight (-: read more

Been here more times than I can count and while the food hasn't always been the most amazing Mexican food I've had, the service has always been great. Friendly wait staff, bussers, hosts/hostesses. Great atmosphere. read more

In my opinion, this is the cleanest friendliest Mexican restaurant in Santee. At times desperate people look to influences for closures in a personal level. I really hope they take note of their health inspector and the motives for closure. I go twice a week. Was there tonight. Best margaritas and carnitas in town. CLEAN is the key word. Karma will bring loyal patrons like me coming back, those who think otherwise, expect that in turn. read more

If you are looking for great Mexican food, seriously look no further! This place has it all! The food is delicious and its one of my favorite hot spots, when I am looking for some real authentic Mexican food. yumm! I can't say enough- Everything comes out hot and delicious, and the family recipes can't be beat! The service and staff are very friendly as well and they take good care of you from the moment you walk in. The drinks are ice cold and delicious! And I highly recommend finishing off the meal with one of their signature desserts! read more

Food is always delicious and nicely prepared. The waiters are all very professional and take good care of us each and every time we come in. Thanks to you all for making Marietas a great place to come for dinner or lunch read more

Go to place for me and my kids. I love the Salsa and they have great green sauce.

Sad to say it disappointed. To start, we were told there was a 30 minute wait, we waited at least an hour! Chips and salsa came right out, chips were good but salsa was not so good. I ordered the Chile Verde and it was good overall, not a huge serving, but tasty. My sister ordered a salad with Carne Asada on top. It was very plain; chopped Romain lettuce with cold, lightly grilled carne, she was not that happy. They did do a good job of celebrating my boy's birthdays with flan and singing. La mesa one is better. read more

Overpaid for cold Mexican food. C'mon. We're in San Diego! You can't get Mexican food wrong here, can you!? At Marieta's you can!! Laziest recipes. Terrible food. read more

Food is pretty standard as far as Mexican restaurants go but the service is always pretty good. If you live near hear and you want to sit down to some cheese stick to your ribs food drive no further. read more

Great food, Service, and prices. They have Puerto Nuevo style lobster that's pretty good, my daughter loves the enchiladas and fried ice cream. It can get a little crowed at peak times so be prepared to make room in the bar and have a margarita while you wait. The fried Ice cream was yummy, and big enough fopr two Nice, very casual experience for out of town guests without going to old town. Beware they may or may not have mariachi's! Great for families They are quick to fill up your chip basket read more

Extremely Slow Service! Forgotten about after was seated for an hour...Hair in food on top of wrong order..An apology would have been nice instead of sarcasm. read more

Okay so this place is okay.. Reason being is that the staff is pretty easy going and the salsa is amazing. My husband and I love finding Mexican places that have a spicy salsa. It's not better than my homemade salsa but its good and has a kick to it. The beans that came with it were pretty good too, though I'm not used to a place serving a small side of beans with its salsa but it was good! The wait for the food was a little long and we almost got served shrimp soup that we didn't order. On the brighter side they kept food on out table which was the chips and salsa so that made it less noticeable. The food was pretty good too. Overall I would go back and eat there not minding the wait. So this place gets 4 stars with the food and customer service also keeping food on the table. (3 bowls of chips later) we got our dinner. read more

Food is mediocre and the service sucks. How they are in business is a wonder to me. Maybe the margaritas are good? Who knows. read more

Win over my child, and you win me over :) Our server was especially attentive to our 3 year old, and even gave her a quarter for the candy machine on our way out. *Note that it was not because she was being unruly, she's really well behaved. My husband had the Carnitas, & I had a Chicken Enchilada/Carnitas taco combo. Both were very good, minus the chicken in the enchilada, it wasn't bad, it was just disappointing. The best way I can explain it is if you have ever done the Cabbage Soup Diet it tastes like the chicken had been marinated in it. :/ However the carnitas were very good! We also split a Margarita pitcher, and that was good as well :) read more

We have been to the Marieta's in Santee and La Mesa... the Santee location is by far my favorite. The food tastes best with a pitcher of margaritas! This is my new happy place :) read more

Holy mole!!!! The shrimp cocktail is very good!!! It was great that I ask my waiter to make extra spicy and it's was just perfect! Fresh for this heat!!! Plus the virgin margarita(had to drive) was the cherry on top! read more

So went back again after a not so great dining experience the first time. We sat in the bar and the waiter was extremely attentive, food was great! This is the part where I fall on my sword for my initial impression not being a good one. I will come here again and again. read more

The only reason I am giving this a 2 star is because our server was very courteous and attentive. We went there this past Saturday 01/06/18 and the food was awful. I ordered a shrimp salad if that what you want to call it. It was literally just shrimp and iceberg lettuce no veggies, no avocado, no cheese.. I could have made that at home and saved myself $15. My sons both shared carne asada nachos but the presentation was awful, they were so sloppily made and the cheese wasn't even melted. I think my husband was the only person who enjoyed his meal, but he ordered tacos. Can you really mess up a taco? For 4 of us it was $65 which I felt was super over priced for food that was less than desirable. I could have saved about $30 and probably gotten better food from the taco shop across the street. We will not be returning. read more

Ive been to Marieta's many times, Ive never had any problems. Sometimes the staff is nice, most of the time Not so nice. My friend and I went to lunch last week, he ordered an iced tea. After drinking some he asked if I would taste it because it didn't taste right. It had a soapy taste and I didn't think too much of it until that night. I was nauseous and vomited several times. My friend called me the next day telling me the same thing happened to him. We ate the same thing but he had tea and I had a margarita. I'm not sure if I will be eating there anymore, my friend has cancer and cant afford to take risks with his health, its a shame because I loved going there, but if the food makes you sick maybe the health dept of San Diego county should look into this matter FHD Epidemiology Liaison Phone: (858) 505-6814 fhdepi@sdcounty.ca.gov read more